Is mainstream recognition of prog rock a good thing?

The esteemed (by whom we know not) Official Charts Company, who have appointed themselves keepers of valid chart information for music, have decided it's time for prog to have its own category with separate charts. What gaping need this is supposed to fill is an unanswered question.

The inaugural chart does feature old-time favorites Pink Floyd, but the first number 1 is... Tame Impala. You knew they were prog, right? Well, I for one am beyond really trying to argue about a definition of prog, so I guess if the OCC wants to count Tame Impala, that's their right. I like Tame Impala just fine, but don't personally consider them prog.

The BBC article linked below quotes the head of the OCC.

"We felt it was an oversight not to have done this a long time ago," said OCC boss Martin Talbot.

"Progressive music is as alive and kicking as it's ever been. It's more a state of mind than a genre."

It remains to be seen if anybody will really pay attention to such a thing. From the artists' perspective, it might be seen as one more accolade that doesn't pay any bills.

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